by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

DENVER - Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen is hurting just as much as his team's fans are following Saturday's 38-35 double overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He told ticket holders as much Tuesday in a letter.

Bowlen, in a letter sent via e-mail, described the loss as "gut-wrenching."

"I feel terrible for our players, coaches and staff who put forth maximum effort throughout the year. They accomplished many great things while falling short of our ultimate goal," Bowlen wrote. "But most importantly, my heart aches for you."

Bowlen, who has moved out of a public role in recent years after naming Joe Ellis as team president, told season-ticket holders he would soon be looking forward to the 2013 season and with it the goal of playing in Super Bowl XLVIII in East Rutherford, N.J.

"As we move forward, I am extremely optimistic with the future of our team," Bowlen wrote.